A potential client recently asked for some advice in an early meeting. This client needed clarification about the vastly disparate website design offerings available. When some were offering an e-commerce store for as little as R500, others were asking R50k. Understandably, it is hard for someone who has never had a website before, or does not know what goes into creating one, to gauge the true value of the service.
However, a guideline for anyone looking for a new website, of any size or functionality, is that if you go for the cheap option, you will end up paying it sevenfold. Cheap websites should set alarm bells ringing, and there will most certainly be something needing improvement – whether it be the skill or experience of the designer, functionality, quality, or actual design. People want to avoid ending up with an unattractive website that is slow to load, with broken links and overlapping elements.
A good website is your brand’s online presence – an essential marketing tool for any business – where all your information and brand story lives. Anybody that hears about your company can get a complete overview by visiting your website – and a good website will help them to make the decision on purchasing your product or signing up for your services. One should learn to see a website as an investment and not an expense.
Here are four more reasons why putting money into a good website is essential into the future of your business:
Attract More Customers
This a fairly obvious one, but by having an active web presence means the likelihood of getting found on the web is far greater. It gives your brand legitimacy. However, the question is not so much about only getting found, but also what action a potential customer takes when they do land on your website.
Have you invested the money into making it a fully responsive, user-friendly and attractive experience? Or did you cut costs and are now paying the price, have a high site drop-off rate. Most customers also make their decision about a company the first few seconds that they are on a website. If yours is lacking, they will quickly move on, knowing that there are more options available online.
Capture More Leads
Contact forms and other sign-up methods are excellent ways to create a potential client base to market to. Not only are these people already showing an interest in your product or service by visiting your website, but now you also have the opportunity to build a deeper relationship with them.
Take Ownership of Your Brand Story
By investing in a great website, you are taking ownership of your brand story. All vital information a potential customer will need will be available to them. They will also be able to get a sense of the quality and personality of your company. And importantly, they will not have to find what they need elsewhere, which could potentially be generated by unreliable sources who may not give the most accurate information.
Sell More Product
A website opens one up to a whole new marketplace. No longer is one constrained by geographical limits as one is with a traditional brick-and-mortar store. With some easy-to-use product pages set up, supported by social media linkage, you’re all set to expand your business to much greater levels.